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Davy Russell finds his place among elite after tough learning curve

Jockey will be among leading riders at Cheltenham but recalls a testing period when, by his own admission, he felt completely lost

Julian Muscat

March 10 2010, 12:00am, The Times

Davy Russell’s profile has changed beyond recognition in the past two years. He is outwardly still the same: courteous, engaging, and as honest about his shortcomings as when he returned to Ireland after a chastening stint with Ferdy Murphy in 2004.

The difference is in his status. The wide-eyed novice from Co Cork has finally arrived after a journey slaloming in and out of the fast lane. Now he faces the ultimate speed test aboard Solwhit, the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle favourite, at Cheltenham on Tuesday week.

The prospect does not faze him, largely because he feels that this year’s Festival commemorates his reaching a career podium. “Not long ago the journey to Cheltenham was a terrible thing,” Russell, 30, said. “You’d fly into Birmingham…

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